Peach Tree Times

State Representative Floyd Griffin has expressed his views regarding Senate Bill 260, a legislative proposal concerning the governance of the Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority. Griffin, a Democrat from Milledgeville, responded to the movement of the bill, which he noted was sent back to committee and did not proceed to the House Floor for a vote during the 2025 legislative session.

Griffin stated, "I am thankful that Senate Bill 260 was sent back to committee and didn’t make it to the House Floor for a vote during the 2025 legislative session." He raised concerns about the bill's implications, saying it would transfer board appointment powers from local entities to the state and remove the word 'local' from the authority's name. According to Griffin, "The bill contains no assurance that local opinions would be taken into account for issues that should be hyper-localized."

Furthermore, Griffin highlighted the purpose of the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority (CSHLRA), which is to repurpose former hospital and prison grounds. "Decisions that must be made by people that reside and work in the community," he added, emphasizing the importance of local control in the redevelopment process for economic benefits and job creation.

Addressing the concerns of his constituents, Griffin mentioned raising these issues with Inspector General Lange. He also noted that the Milledgeville City Council has reviewed the bill and supports the stance that local government involvement is essential for successful redevelopment. Griffin concluded, "We will stand in strong opposition and continue to advocate for keeping local matters, local matters" if the bill comes up for consideration in the 2026 session.

Documents related to Senate Bill 260 are available for review.